Charging fee setting method and charging fee setting system

Abstract

This invention provides a charging fee setting method and charging fee setting system that can reduce vehicle usage, which can lead to battery degradation. [Solution] In the charging fee setting system, the control device (controller) 11 of the in-vehicle unit 10 calculates an evaluation value based on the user's usage of the vehicle Vc, such that the evaluation value decreases as the vehicle Vc is used more frequently, leading to battery degradation 5. The charging fee is then set based on this evaluation value. In this case, the charging fee is set lower as the evaluation value increases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging fee setting method and a charging fee setting system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a car-sharing fee system for calculating the car-sharing fee of an electric vehicle. In this system, it is disclosed that when a user charges an electric vehicle, the car-sharing fee is discounted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] With the spread of electric vehicles including electric cars, in addition to car-sharing services, the opportunity to use an electric vehicle as a private car has been increasing. In order to use an electric vehicle for a long time, it is important to consciously reduce the use of the vehicle that leads to battery degradation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a charging fee setting method and a charging fee setting system that can reduce the use of the vehicle that leads to battery degradation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The charging fee setting method according to one aspect of the present invention includes calculating an evaluation value based on the usage status of a vehicle by a user so that the evaluation value becomes lower as the use of the vehicle that leads to battery degradation is more, and setting a charging fee based on the evaluation value. In this case, the charging fee is set to a lower amount as the evaluation value is higher.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make users aware of the importance of suppressing battery degradation, thereby reducing the use of vehicles that lead to battery degradation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the charging fee setting system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the evaluation process during driving, which is one aspect of vehicle use. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the evaluation process during parking, which is one aspect of vehicle use. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the evaluation process during charging. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of notification of evaluation results to the user. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the pricing process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The charging fee setting system and charging fee setting method according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the charging fee setting system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The charging fee setting system 1 is a system that sets the charging fee to be charged for charging a vehicle Vc. The vehicle Vc is a battery electric vehicle that runs on electric energy and is equipped with a battery 5 that stores electricity. However, the vehicle Vc only needs to include a battery 5, and may be a hybrid electric vehicle or a fuel cell electric vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, the vehicle Vc according to this embodiment may be a private car owned and used by the user, or it may be a rental vehicle provided by a car-sharing service where multiple users share a vehicle. The car-sharing service may include a rental car service that provides a vehicle to a single user.

[0012] The charging fee setting system 1 comprises an in-vehicle unit 10, a charging payment system 20, and a car-sharing system 30. The in-vehicle unit 10, the charging payment system 20, and the car-sharing system 30 are connected via a network (not shown).

[0013] The in-vehicle unit 10 is mounted on the vehicle Vc. The in-vehicle unit 10 includes a control device 11, a communication device 12, an input device 13, a display device 14, and a storage device 15.

[0014] The control device 11 is a microcomputer (controller) mainly composed of a CPU, memory, and input / output interface. The CPU reads various computer programs stored in memory and executes various instructions contained in the programs.

[0015] The control device 11 can send and receive information with the charging settlement system 20 and the car sharing system 30 via the communication device 12. Alternatively, the control device 11 may send and receive information with the charging settlement system 20 via a charging cable connecting the vehicle Vc and the charging device managed by the charging settlement system 20 during charging.

[0016] In this embodiment, the control device 11 monitors the user's use of the vehicle Vc and identifies vehicle Vc usage that leads to battery 5 degradation. Based on the monitoring results, the control device 11 calculates an evaluation score (an example of an evaluation value) as described later. The control device 11 transmits the calculated evaluation score to the charging settlement system 20 and the car sharing system 30, respectively. The control device 11 can also acquire information indicating the state of the vehicle Vc detected by various sensors mounted on the vehicle Vc. The acquired state of the vehicle Vc includes vehicle speed, battery 5 state of charge (SOC), battery 5 temperature, accelerator operation amount, brake operation amount, outside temperature, whether or not a charging cable is connected to the vehicle Vc, and the charge status of the battery 5.

[0017] The evaluation score is a parameter used to evaluate the use of vehicle Vc that leads to the degradation of battery 5. The initial value of the evaluation score is, for example, 0 points. The control device 11 monitors the usage status of vehicle Vc each time it is used, and adds points to the evaluation score if the use of vehicle Vc does not lead to the degradation of battery 5, and subtracts points from the evaluation score if the use of vehicle Vc leads to the degradation of battery 5.

[0018] The evaluation items for the use of the vehicle Vc are over-temperature, overcharge, overdischarge, and electricity cost. Over-temperature is a state where the temperature of the battery 5 is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit temperature. The evaluation of whether it is over-temperature is performed based on evaluation contents such as (1) the speed of the vehicle Vc during driving and (2) the state of the vehicle Vc when parked. Overcharge is a state where charging of the battery 5 continues when the battery 5 is fully charged or in a state close to full charge. The evaluation of whether it is overcharge is performed based on evaluation contents such as (1) the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 5 when the charging cable is removed, (2) the time from the fully charged state until the charging cable is removed, and (3) the charging mode by rapid charging. Overdischarge is a state where the battery 5 is discharged when the SOC is below a preset reference SOC. The evaluation of whether it is overdischarge is performed based on evaluation contents such as the SOC during driving. The electricity cost is the power consumption rate and is the distance (km) that can be traveled per 1 kWh. The evaluation of the electricity cost is performed based on evaluation contents such as (1) the average electricity cost from the start to the end of driving, (2) the mode of accelerator operation during driving, and (3) the mode of brake operation during driving.

[0019] Over-temperature, overcharge, and overdischarge all correspond to the use of the vehicle Vc that leads to the deterioration of the battery 5. Also, since a low electricity cost shortens the charging cycle, a low electricity cost also corresponds to the use of the vehicle Vc that leads to the deterioration of the battery 5. That is, when the control device 11 detects over-temperature, overcharge, overdischarge, and low electricity cost, a predetermined target score is deducted from the evaluation score. Thus, the control device 11 calculates the evaluation score so that the higher the use of the vehicle Vc that leads to the deterioration of the battery 5, the lower the evaluation score.

[0020] The target points and corresponding points for each evaluation content are determined by the administrator or management company that manages the charging settlement system 20. The maximum value that the evaluation points can reach is, for example, 100 points. When 100 points are reached, even if there is a usage behavior of the vehicle Vc that is eligible for additional points thereafter, the evaluation points will remain at 100 points. Also, the minimum value that the evaluation points can reach is, for example, 0 points. When 0 points are reached, even if there is a usage behavior of the vehicle Vc that is eligible for point deduction thereafter, the evaluation points will remain at 0 points.

[0021] The communication device 12 communicates between the charging settlement system 20 and the car-sharing system 30. The communication device 12 receives information from the charging settlement system 20 and the car-sharing system 30, and transmits information to the charging settlement system 20 and the car-sharing system 30. For example, the communication device 12 may be a device equipped with a mobile communication function such as 4G / LTE, 5G, or a device equipped with a Wifi communication function.

[0022] The input device 13 is a device that accepts input operations by the user, such as a touch pad. Also, the input device 13 may be a device that accepts input operations by voice, such as a microphone. The presentation device 14 is a device that presents information to the user, and includes, for example, a display that displays images and a speaker that outputs sounds.

[0023] The storage device 15 is a device that stores various types of information. When an action that results in points being added or deducted is identified, the storage device 15 records the target points for which points will be added or deducted, and the evaluation score after the addition or deduction, in association with the evaluation content and the date and time. The storage device 15 also records various states of the vehicle Vc acquired while the vehicle Vc is in motion. Furthermore, the storage device 15 records the charging mode information when the battery 5 is charged, along with the date and time. The charging mode information indicates whether the charging device to which the charging cable is connected is for normal charging or rapid charging. In addition, if the vehicle Vc is a vehicle used in a car-sharing service, the information recorded in the storage device 15 is linked to the information of the user who uses the vehicle Vc. This allows the control device 11 to extract information about a specific user from the information recorded in the storage device 15.

[0024] The charging settlement system 20 includes a charging device for charging the vehicle's battery 5 (Vc), controls the charging device, and manages the charging fees charged for charging the battery 5 using the charging device. When charging the battery 5, the charging device is connected to the vehicle's battery 5, for example, by a charging cable. Note that the power supply from the charging device to the battery 5 is not limited to the method using a charging cable, but may also be done by a method such as contactless power supply. The charging device is installed in a charging station (charge / discharge station) in the city, or in a parking lot, etc. The charging device charges the battery 5 using power supplied from electrical equipment such as a power grid (not shown) or a solar power generation device (not shown).

[0025] The charging settlement system 20 comprises a computer (controller) mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output interfaces, and a communication device. The charging settlement system 20 controls the charging power supplied from the charging device to the vehicle Vc. In relation to this embodiment, the charging settlement system 20 sets the charging fee for the vehicle Vc based on the evaluation score transmitted from the vehicle Vc.

[0026] The car-sharing system 30 is a server for providing car-sharing services. The car-sharing system 30 is equipped with a computer (controller) mainly consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output interfaces, as well as a communication device.

[0027] In relation to this embodiment, the car-sharing system 30 sets the car-sharing fee for the vehicle Vc based on the evaluation score transmitted from the vehicle Vc.

[0028] The charging fee setting method according to this embodiment will be explained below with reference to Figures 2 to 6. First, referring to Figure 2, the evaluation flow during driving, which is one mode of vehicle use, will be explained. The flowchart shown in Figure 2 is executed by the control device 11 of the in-vehicle unit 10, triggered by the vehicle Vc being powered on.

[0029] In step S10, the control device 11 provides information about the service via the display device 14. Specifically, the control device 11 outputs a display screen or audio message from the display device 14 informing the user that if the vehicle Vc is used infrequently, which could lead to battery degradation of the battery 5, the charging fee in the charging settlement system 20 will be discounted. Furthermore, if the vehicle Vc is a vehicle rented from a car-sharing service, the control device 11 outputs a display screen or audio message from the display device 14 informing the user that if the vehicle Vc is used infrequently, which could lead to battery degradation of the battery 5, the car-sharing fee will be discounted.

[0030] When vehicle Vc starts moving (S11:YES), the control device 11 starts acquiring vehicle status data to evaluate the use of vehicle Vc (S20). The start of driving can be determined, for example, by moving from a shift position to the "P" range to another shift position. The vehicle status data acquired by the control device 11 includes battery temperature, SOC, vehicle speed, accelerator operation amount, and brake operation amount. Once data acquisition starts, the control device 11 acquires data at predetermined intervals until driving is completed. The control device 11 then monitors the acquired data, i.e., the usage status of vehicle Vc (S13).

[0031] Based on the acquired data, the control device 11 determines whether the conditions for vehicle Vc use that would lead to battery 5 degradation have been met (S14). The control device 11 determines that the conditions in step S14 have been met if any one of the following conditions is met: (1) the temperature of the battery 5 is above a preset upper limit temperature, (2) the vehicle speed is above a standard vehicle speed, (3) the amount of change per unit time related to accelerator operation is above a standard accelerator change, (4) the amount of change per unit time related to brake operation is above a standard brake operation, or (5) the SOC is below a standard SOC.

[0032] The upper temperature limit is a threshold for determining if the battery 5 is overheating, and the reference vehicle speed is a threshold for determining the vehicle speed at which the battery 5 will reach overheating. The reference accelerator change is a threshold for determining the amount of change in accelerator operation per unit time that leads to a decrease in electric power consumption, and the reference brake change is a threshold for determining the amount of change in brake operation per unit time that leads to a decrease in electric power consumption. In addition, the reference SOC is a threshold for determining if the battery 5 is over-discharged. That is, based on the contents of (1) and (2), it is possible to determine whether the vehicle Vc will cause the battery 5 to overheat. Furthermore, based on the contents of (3) and (4), it is possible to determine whether the operation will lead to a decrease in electric power consumption. In addition, based on the contents of (5), it is possible to determine whether the vehicle Vc will cause the battery 5 to over-discharge.

[0033] If the conditions for vehicle Vc use that lead to battery degradation are met (S14: NO), the control device 11 measures the duration for which the conditions are met (S15). For example, if it is determined in step S14 that conditions are met for multiple items, the control device 11 measures the time for each item.

[0034] The control device 11 calculates the number of points to be deducted from the current evaluation score. For example, the control device 11 determines the number of points to be deducted so that the longer the condition remains met, the larger the number of points to be deducted. Then, the control device 11 deducts the number of points to be deducted from the current evaluation score to calculate the evaluation score (S16). If the vehicle Vc continues to drive (S17: NO), the control device 11 continues to monitor the acquired data and performs the process in step S14.

[0035] When vehicle Vc finishes its run (S17: YES), the control device 11 calculates the average energy consumption for one cycle from the start to the end of the run (S18). The end of the run can be determined, for example, by the shift position moving to the "P" range. The control device 11 compares the vehicle Vc's reference energy consumption with the average energy consumption calculated in step S18. This reference energy consumption is a vehicle-specific average energy consumption prepared for each vehicle type of vehicle Vc. If the average energy consumption is higher than the reference energy consumption, the control device 11 calculates a target score to be added to the evaluation score. This target score may use a pre-prepared unique value, or the target score may be increased as the average energy consumption is higher than the reference energy consumption. Then, the control device 11 calculates the final evaluation score by adding the target score to the evaluation score calculated in step S16 (S19). On the other hand, if the average energy consumption is lower than the reference energy consumption, the control device 11 calculates a target score to be deducted from the evaluation score. The target score may be a pre-defined unique value, or the target score may be increased as the average energy consumption is lower than the standard energy consumption. The control device 11 then calculates the final evaluation score by subtracting the target score from the evaluation score calculated in step S16 (S19).

[0036] Finally, for each action that results in points being added or deducted, the control device 11 records in the storage device 15 the target points to be added or deducted, the evaluation score after the addition or deduction, the evaluation content, and the date and time of the action (S20). The control device 11 may also transmit the evaluation score to the charging settlement system 20 and the car sharing system 30 (S20).

[0037] Referring to Figure 3, the evaluation process during parking, one mode of vehicle use, will be explained. The flowchart shown in Figure 3 is executed by the control device 11 of the in-vehicle unit 10, triggered by the vehicle Vc being powered on. For example, the flowchart shown in Figure 3 is executed before the process of step S11 shown in Figure 2. As a prerequisite for performing the evaluation during parking, the control device 11 records the time and the ambient temperature at that time in the storage device 15 when the vehicle Vc is powered on. Also, the control device 11 stores the time and the ambient temperature at that time in the storage device 15 when the vehicle Vc is powered off.

[0038] If vehicle Vc is a vehicle rented out through a car-sharing service, steps S30 and S31 are performed. On the other hand, if vehicle Vc is a privately owned vehicle, steps S30 and S31 are skipped.

[0039] First, when the control device 11 determines that the use of the car-sharing service has started (S30: YES), it determines whether or not the use of the car-sharing service has ended (S31). Starting the use of the car-sharing service means that the vehicle Vc is lent out from the car-sharing system 30 and the vehicle Vc becomes available for use. On the other hand, ending the use of the car-sharing service means that the vehicle Vc is returned to the car-sharing system 30 and the vehicle Vc becomes unavailable for use.

[0040] If the use of the car-sharing service is terminated (S31:YES), the control device 11 terminates this process. If the use of the car-sharing service is not terminated (S31:NO), the control device 11 performs the process in step S32. In other words, if the vehicle Vc is a vehicle rented out through the car-sharing service, the evaluation of parking will only be performed if the vehicle Vc is being used during the period of use of the vehicle rented out through the car-sharing service.

[0041] The control device 11 acquires the time when parking is completed, i.e., the time the power was turned on and the outside temperature (S32). Then, the control device 11 reads the time when parking was started, i.e., the time the power was turned off last time and the outside temperature from the storage device 15 (S33). The control device 11 acquires the vehicle position from the navigation system installed in the vehicle Vc, and also acquires the outside temperature at the start of parking and the end of parking as temperature information (S34).

[0042] The control device 11 refers to temperature information and calculates the time the vehicle Vc was parked in a state where the battery 5 was overheated as the overheated parking time (S35). Specifically, the control device 11 determines from the vehicle position obtained from the navigation system whether the vehicle Vc was parked indoors or outdoors. If the vehicle Vc was parked indoors, the temperature rise due to solar radiation is small, so it is expected that the battery 5 was in a temperature environment similar to the outside temperature at the start or end of parking. That is, if the outside temperature at the start or end of parking is such that the battery 5 reaches an overheated state, the control device 11 determines that the battery 5 was in an overheated state while the vehicle Vc was parked. On the other hand, if the outside temperature at the start or end of parking is not such that the battery 5 reaches an overheated state, the control device 11 determines that the battery 5 was not in an overheated state while the vehicle Vc was parked. In contrast, if the vehicle Vc was parked outdoors, a temperature increase due to solar radiation is expected, so it is predicted that the battery 5 was in an environment with a higher temperature than the ambient temperature at the start or end of parking. Therefore, the control device 11 considers the ambient temperature at the start or end of parking, as well as the temperature increase due to solar radiation (for example, a fixed value such as +10 degrees), to determine whether the battery 5 was in an overheated state. In this way, the control device 11 determines the parking time from the time from the start to the end of parking, and calculates the overheated parking time based on the determination result of the overheated state during vehicle parking and the parking time. For example, if it is determined that the vehicle was in an overheated state during parking, the parking time becomes the overheated parking time. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle was not in an overheated state during parking, the overheated parking time becomes 0. Note that the above-described method for calculating the overheated parking time is just one example and is not limited thereto.

[0043] If the overheat parking time is 0, the control device 11 adds a predetermined number of target points to the evaluation score (S37). In this case, the control device 11 may set the target points to increase as the parking time increases. On the other hand, if the overheat parking time is not 0, the control device 11 subtracts a predetermined number of target points from the evaluation score (S38). In this case, the control device 11 may set the target points to increase as the parking time increases. Once the evaluation score is calculated in this way, the control device 11 records in the storage device 15, associating the number of target points added or subtracted, the evaluation score after the addition or subtraction, the evaluation content, and the date and time of the action for each action that results in the addition or subtraction.

[0044] Refer to Figure 4 to explain the evaluation flow during charging. The flowchart shown in Figure 4 is executed by the control device 11 of the in-vehicle unit 10 when the charging cable is connected to the vehicle Vc.

[0045] If the battery 5 is in a charging state (S40: YES), the control device 11 obtains charging mode information from the charging device to which the charging cable is connected. Based on the charging mode information, the control device 11 determines whether the type of charging device is normal charging or not (S42).

[0046] If the charging device is of the normal charging type (S42:YES), the control device 11 performs the processing from step S43 onwards. Specifically, when it determines that the charging cable has been disconnected (S43), the control device 11 determines whether the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 5 is 100% or not (S44). If the SOC of the battery 5 is not 100%, the control device 11 determines whether the SOC of the battery 5 is within a specified range that indicates the range of SOC in which battery 5 degradation is minimal (S45). If the SOC is within the specified range, the degradation of the battery 5 due to charging is minimal. Therefore, the control device 11 adds a predetermined target score to the evaluation score (S46). If the SOC of the battery 5 is 100%, the control device 11 calculates the time from when the SOC of the battery 5 reaches 100% until the charging cable is disconnected (S47). Then, the control device 11 calculates the target score based on the time until the charging cable is disconnected and subtracts the target score from the evaluation score (S48). The longer the time until the charging cable is disconnected, the longer the overcharging period. Therefore, the control device 11 sets the number of target points to a larger value the longer the time until the charging cable is disconnected.

[0047] On the other hand, if the charge settlement system 20 is a rapid charge (S42: NO), the control device 11 acquires the charge mode information from the previous time the battery 5 was charged (S49). Based on the charge mode information, the control device 11 determines whether the previous charge was also a rapid charge (S50). If the previous charge was a normal charge (S50: NO), the control device 11 performs the process in step S43. On the other hand, if the previous charge was also a rapid charge (S50: YES), the control device 11 determines whether continuous driving occurred (S51). Continuous driving means that the current rapid charge was performed without the power being turned off even once after the previous rapid charge. Rapid charging raises the temperature of the battery 5 compared to normal charging. If continuous driving occurs in this state, the battery 5 will degrade significantly because rapid charging is performed again while the battery 5 is still at a high temperature. Therefore, if the vehicle Vc is in continuous driving condition (S1: YES), the control device 11 deducts the target score from the evaluation score (S52).

[0048] Once the evaluation score is calculated in this manner, the control device 11 records in the storage device 15, for each action that results in points being added or deducted, the target points to be added or deducted, the evaluation score after the addition or deduction, the evaluation content, and the date and time of the action, in association with each action.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5, the flow of the notification process to the user will be explained. The process shown in Figure 5 is executed by the control device 11 of the in-vehicle unit 10, triggered by the vehicle Vc being powered off. Alternatively, the process shown in Figure 5 may also be executed by the control device 11 of the in-vehicle unit 10, triggered by the vehicle Vc ending its journey.

[0050] The control device 11 refers to the storage device 15 and extracts the items for which points were deducted during the current use of vehicle Vc (S60). The control device 11 also searches the storage device 15 and extracts past items for which points were deducted during previous use of vehicle Vc (S61).

[0051] The control device 11 identifies items from past penalty items that are not penalized this time as improved items. The control device 11 then calculates the amount of savings for the improved items (S62). The amount of savings corresponds to the discount on charging fees obtained by reducing the number of items that are penalized.

[0052] The control device 11 identifies items that overlap between past penalty items and current penalty items as items that have not been improved. The control device 11 then calculates the amount of money that can be saved for the items that have not been improved (S63). The amount of money that can be saved corresponds to the amount of discount on charging fees that can be obtained by reducing the number of items that have not been improved.

[0053] The control device 11 creates a report summarizing the items for which points were deducted, the items for which points were added, the amount saved, and the amount that can be saved (S64). The control device 11 then controls the display device 14 to notify the user that the report has been created (S65). If the user agrees to review the report (S66: YES), the control device 11 controls the display device 14 to present the report to the user. Note that the method of presenting the report to the user is not limited to the display device 14 installed in the vehicle Vc, but may also be by sending it to a mobile terminal owned by the user.

[0054] Refer to Figure 6 to explain the pricing process. The process shown in Figure 6 is performed by the in-vehicle unit 10, the charging settlement system 20, and the car-sharing system 30.

[0055] First, the control device 11 of the in-vehicle unit 10 determines whether or not the vehicle Vc is a car-sharing vehicle (S70). If the vehicle Vc is a private car (S70: NO), the control device 11 performs the processing from step S71 onwards. If the vehicle is a car-sharing vehicle (S75: YES), the control device 11 performs the processing from step S75 onwards.

[0056] If the vehicle Vc is for private use, when charging starts (S71), the control device 11 refers to the storage device 15 and reads the evaluation score from the previous charge to the current charge (S72). The control device 11 transmits the evaluation score to the charging settlement system 20 via the communication device 12 (S73). When the charging settlement system 20 receives the evaluation score from the onboard unit 10, it calculates the discount rate and discount amount based on the evaluation score. Specifically, first, the charging settlement system 20 calculates the discount rate such that the higher the evaluation score, the larger the discount rate. For example, the charging settlement system 20 maintains a map or calculation formula that associates the evaluation score with the discount rate, and calculates the discount rate based on the evaluation score. If multiple evaluation scores have been calculated between the previous charge and the current charge, the charging settlement system 20 calculates the discount rate using the average value, representative value, or other values ​​of the multiple evaluation scores. Then, the charging settlement system 20 calculates the discount amount based on the calculated discount rate. When the battery 5 is fully charged, the charging settlement system 20 sets the charging fee based on the set discount amount and bills the user for that fee. In this way, the charging settlement system 20 sets the charging fee lower the higher the evaluation score (S74).

[0057] If vehicle Vc is a car share, when charging starts (S75), the control device 11 refers to the storage device 15 and reads the rating score of the user using vehicle Vc (S76). The control device 11 transmits the rating score to the charging settlement system 20 via the communication device 12 (S77). When the charging settlement system 20 receives the rating score from the in-vehicle device 10, it calculates the discount rate and discount amount in the same manner as in step S74 (S78). When charging of battery 5 is completed, the charging settlement system 20 calculates the charging fee based on the set discount amount and bills the user for that charging fee.

[0058] Furthermore, when the use of the car-sharing vehicle Vc ends, the control device 11 of the in-vehicle unit 10 updates the evaluation score (S79). This update of the evaluation score reflects the evaluation results associated with the use of vehicle Vc during the period from the last charge to the end of use of the car-sharing service. The control device 11 then transmits the evaluation score to the car-sharing system 30 via the communication device 12 (S80). When the car-sharing system 30 receives the evaluation score from the in-vehicle unit 10, it calculates the discount rate and discount amount based on the evaluation score. The car-sharing system 30 calculates the discount rate such that the higher the evaluation score, the greater the discount rate. For example, the car-sharing system 30 maintains a map or calculation formula that associates the evaluation score with the discount rate, and calculates the discount rate based on the evaluation score. If multiple evaluation scores have been calculated between the previous charge and the current charge, the car-sharing system 30 calculates the discount rate using the average value, representative value, or other values ​​of the multiple evaluation scores. The charging settlement system 20 then calculates the discount amount based on the calculated discount rate. The car-sharing system 30 sets the car-sharing fee based on the calculated discount amount and bills the user for that fee. In this way, in the car-sharing system 30, the car-sharing fee is set lower the higher the rating score (S81).

[0059] As described above, according to the charging fee setting method of this embodiment, the control device 11 calculates an evaluation value such that the value decreases as the vehicle Vc (which leads to battery 5 degradation) is used more frequently. The charging fee is then set to a lower amount as the evaluation value increases. With this method, the charging fee differs depending on how the vehicle Vc (i.e., the battery 5) is used, so in order to charge at a low fee, it is necessary to use the vehicle Vc in a way that suppresses the degradation of the battery 5. This makes the user aware of the importance of preventing the degradation of the battery 5, thus allowing the vehicle Vc to be used for a longer period of time.

[0060] According to the charging fee setting method of this embodiment, the control device 11 sets the charging fee for the current charge based on an evaluation value calculated based on the vehicle Vc usage between the previous charge and the current charge. With this method, the evaluation value is updated as appropriate based on the vehicle Vc usage between the previous charge and the current charge. This makes it possible to constantly encourage the user to use the vehicle Vc in a way that suppresses battery degradation 5.

[0061] According to the charging fee setting method of this embodiment, the control device 11 monitors the charging status of the battery 5 during charging, in addition to the usage status of the vehicle Vc. The control device 11 calculates a lower evaluation value the more frequently the battery 5 is overcharged or the more rapid charging is performed consecutively. This method makes users aware of the need to suppress charging behaviors that lead to battery degradation, such as overcharging the battery 5 or continuous use of rapid charging. This helps to cultivate battery-friendly charging habits, thereby suppressing battery degradation.

[0062] In the charging fee setting method of this embodiment, the use of the vehicle Vc that leads to the deterioration of the battery 5 includes overheating, where the temperature of the battery 5 exceeds a preset upper limit temperature. The control device 11 calculates a lower evaluation value the more overheating occurs. This method makes the user aware of vehicle usage behaviors that lead to the deterioration of the battery 5, such as overheating of the battery 5. The user can develop usage habits that suppress overheating of the battery 5, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the battery 5.

[0063] In the charging fee setting method of this embodiment, vehicle usage conditions Vc that lead to battery degradation include battery over-discharge. The control device 11 calculates a lower evaluation value the more over-discharge occurs. This method makes users aware of vehicle usage conditions Vc that lead to battery degradation, such as battery over-discharge. Since it is possible to cultivate usage habits that suppress battery over-discharge, battery degradation can be suppressed.

[0064] In the charging fee setting method of this embodiment, vehicle usage conditions that lead to battery 5 degradation include situations where the electricity consumption is lower than a predetermined standard electricity consumption. The control device 11 calculates a lower evaluation value the lower the electricity consumption. This method makes the user aware of vehicle usage behaviors that lead to battery 5 degradation, such as an increase in the number of charge-discharge cycles. Since the user can cultivate usage habits that result in higher electricity consumption, the degradation of the battery 5 can be suppressed.

[0065] In the charging fee setting method of this embodiment, the control device 11 calculates a lower evaluation value the more operations that lead to a decrease in electricity consumption occur. This method makes the user aware of the vehicle Vc operations that lead to a decrease in electricity consumption. Since driving habits that increase electricity consumption are fostered, the deterioration of the battery 5 can be suppressed.

[0066] In the charging fee setting method of this embodiment, the control device 11 further includes notifying the user of the evaluation results and the correct way to use the vehicle after the vehicle Vc has finished being used. This method allows the user to become aware of what was good and bad about the use of the vehicle Vc, and thus develop habits that conserve the battery 5.

[0067] In the charging fee setting method of this embodiment, if the vehicle is a vehicle used in a car-sharing service shared by multiple users, the control device 11 sets the car-sharing fee to be charged for the use of the car-sharing service based on the evaluation value. In order to use car-sharing at a low charge, it is necessary to use the vehicle Vc in a way that suppresses the deterioration of the battery 5, so the user can be made aware of the importance of preventing the deterioration of the battery 5. This makes users of car-sharing also aware of the importance of using the vehicle Vc for a long time.

[0068] The present invention includes not only the charging fee setting method described above, but also the charging fee setting system described in this embodiment. In this charging fee setting system, the vehicle Vc monitors the user's usage of the vehicle Vc, calculates an evaluation value based on the monitoring results such that the evaluation value decreases as the use of the vehicle Vc, which leads to battery 5 degradation, increases, and transmits the evaluation value to the charging settlement system 20. The charging settlement system 20 receives the evaluation value from the vehicle Vc and sets the charging fee for when the vehicle Vc is charged to a lower amount as the evaluation value increases. With this configuration, the charging fee differs depending on the usage of the vehicle Vc (i.e., the battery 5). In order to charge at a low charging fee, it is necessary to use the vehicle Vc in a way that suppresses the degradation of the battery 5, thus making the user aware of the importance of preventing battery 5 degradation. This allows the vehicle Vc to be used for a longer period of time.

[0069] In the embodiment described above, the vehicle's controller (the control device of the on-board unit 10) monitors the usage status of the vehicle Vc and calculates the evaluation value, while the controller of the charging settlement system 20 sets the charging fee. However, all of these actions may be performed by the vehicle's controller, or by the controller of the charging settlement system 20.

[0070] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been presented, but the statements and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1: Charging fee setting system, 10: In-vehicle unit, 11: Control device (controller), 12: Communication device, 13: Input device, 14: Display device, 15: Storage device, 20: Charging payment system, 30: Car sharing system

Claims

1. A charging fee setting method using a charging fee setting system that sets the charging fee to be charged for charging a battery installed in a vehicle, The user monitors the usage status of the vehicle, Based on the monitoring results, the evaluation value is calculated such that the more frequently the vehicle is used, which leads to battery degradation, the lower the evaluation value becomes. This includes setting the charging fee based on the aforementioned evaluation value, A charging fee setting method wherein the charging fee is set lower the higher the evaluation value.

2. A charging fee setting method according to claim 1, wherein the charging fee for the current charge is set based on the evaluation value calculated in connection with the use of the vehicle between the previous charge and the current charge.

3. In addition to the usage status of the vehicle, the charging status of the battery during charging is further monitored. The charging fee setting method according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation value is calculated to be lower the more the battery is overcharged or the more rapid charging is performed continuously.

4. The use of the vehicle that leads to the deterioration of the battery includes overheating, where the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined upper limit temperature. The charging fee setting method according to claim 1, wherein the more over-temperatures there are, the lower the evaluation value is calculated.

5. The vehicle usage conditions that lead to the deterioration of the battery include over-discharge of the battery, The charging fee setting method according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation value is calculated to be lower the greater the amount of over-discharge.

6. The vehicle usage conditions that lead to the deterioration of the aforementioned battery include, The charging fee setting method according to claim 1, wherein the lower the electricity consumption, the lower the evaluation value is calculated.

7. The charging fee setting method according to claim 6, wherein the more operations that lead to a decrease in the aforementioned electricity consumption there are, the lower the evaluation value is calculated.

8. The charging fee setting method according to claim 1, further comprising notifying the user of the evaluation results and the correct way to use the vehicle after the vehicle has finished being used.

9. If the vehicle in question is a vehicle used in a car-sharing service shared by multiple users, The charging fee setting method according to claim 1, further comprising setting a car-sharing fee to be charged for the use of the car-sharing service based on the evaluation value.

10. In a charging fee setting system comprising a vehicle equipped with a battery and a charging payment system for charging the battery, The aforementioned vehicle is The user monitors the usage status of the vehicle, Based on the monitoring results, the evaluation value is calculated such that the evaluation value decreases as the use of the vehicle, which leads to battery degradation, increases. The evaluation value is transmitted to the charging settlement system. The aforementioned charging settlement system is: The evaluation value is received from the aforementioned vehicle, A charging fee setting system that sets the charging fee for the vehicle to be charged at a lower rate the higher the evaluation value.

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